The 2026 spring athletic season in Newport-Mesa Unified School District (NMUSD) featured CIF championships, league titles, record-breaking performances, and outstanding individual achievements. Student-athletes continued to demonstrate excellence, perseverance, and sportsmanship while representing their schools and communities with pride.

“Our student-athletes continue to excel in competition while developing leadership, teamwork, and resilience,” said Deputy Superintendent, Secondary Education Kerrie Torres. “Their accomplishments this spring reflect the strength of our athletic programs and the opportunities available to students throughout NMUSD.”

Here is a recap of this spring's highlights for Costa Mesa High School:

• Swimming had one of the most successful seasons in school history. The girls team captured the CIF Division 3 Championship, the first CIF title in program history, while the boys team finished sixth in CIF Division 2. Junior Melanie Pang led the way for the Mustangs, winning the CIF Championship in the 100-meter breaststroke. She also helped two relay teams claim CIF titles, swimming on the championship-winning 200 Medley Relay alongside Karolina Sangasy, Emma Freeland, and Chloe Wool-Smith, and the 200 Free Relay with Chloe Wool-Smith, Mia Walker, and Karolina Sangasy. The boys team was led by senior Avrum Xagorarakis, who competed in the 100 and 200 freestyle events and two relays, and AJ Pang, who competed in the 50 freestyle, 100 butterfly, and two relays.
   
• Baseball captured the Empire League Championship with a 21-8 overall record and a 9-3 mark in league play. The title was the Mustangs' third consecutive league championship—and remarkably, their third in three different leagues over three years. Wylan Rottschafer was named League MVP, while Will Morales earned Co-Pitcher of the Year honors.
   
• Softball completed one of the program's most impressive turnarounds, improving from three wins a year ago to a 15-8 record, a second-place league finish, and a CIF playoff berth. Juniors Victoria Rios and AnaLeah Vaca led the offense, while senior Alyssa Ochoa anchored the pitching staff. 
   
• Track & Field featured several CIF qualifiers, led by seniors Brody Leonard and Michaela Folkerts. Folkerts competed at CIF in both the 100- and 200-meter dash, while Leonard set a school record in the 400 meters and narrowly missed state qualification. In recognition of their athletic and academic achievements, both were honored with the Kiwanis Student-Athlete Award.
   
• Beach Volleyball captured the All Sports Cup with a decisive 3-2 victory over Estancia in the competition's final event. The Mustangs also finished second in league play and qualified for the CIF playoffs. 

 

The achievements celebrated this spring highlight the impact of athletic programs. From first-year participants to CIF champions, students had opportunities to challenge themselves, build meaningful connections, and represent their school at the highest levels of competition. These experiences continue to enrich campus life and support our commitment to developing well-rounded students prepared for future success.